poppysox

If Hahn thinks that the contending team will be on the field in the next year or two...it might be right to extend Abreu and Colome. If not...I would move on. They are undoubtedly our best trade chips.

I would like Robert, Cease, Madrigal and Collings up as soon as the baseball people deem possible. Surround them with competent yet average major league players happy to have a place for a year or two. Note: Not overpriced has-beens. Take your lumps but learn against the best so they see what it's about. We've seen Anderson, Moncada, & Giolito all improve as they figure it out. Jimenez is now doing the same thing. I think the Sox fan base got shell shocked by the early call up of Gordon Beckham. It is different to be called up as part of a developing group than to be called up to be the saving face of the franchise. Let them grow for a year or two and then take your swing at those sought after stars. Also, would really help hold fan interest and enthusiasm before we lose half the current fan base.

They could just follow Sox Talk.

I agree...it's annoying.

Camera work for this game made Alonso flyball to medium right/center like it was going to the upper deck.

Do you guys remember the our trade of Joe Borchard for Matt Thornton. A trade for two failed first round draftees. Borchard was the #12 person drafted 2002 to the highest bonus up to that time. Matt thornton was drafted #22 in 1998 draft. Every time I look at Fulmer I wonder if history can repeat itself. Other clubs have guys just like ours. You never know who has a lot of depth at some position and shortages at others.

Auditioning for that #5 starter on our contending teams. Could happen as he seems to be improving for 4 or 5 innings stints.

I believe it's 100% he is traded or extended. If the actual # was $12 mil per for 5 years many would probably extend him. If the the # was $20 mil per for 5 the answer would be don't let the door hit you on the way out. When talking trade I would need to get something that would play on that contending team...not just a bag of balls. What the offers are vs what's his desire about money will be interesting. It would be GM malpractice to end up with no Abreu & no new piece of the puzzle.

I agree 100% in your enthusiasm for McCann. However, anyone on the 25 man roster is going to play occasionally. Zavala at least is someone new & therefore interesting.

THIS IS HOW I SEE ORGANIZATION AS OF TODAY PLAYERS WHO WILL BE ON THE CONTENDING TEAMS: Anderson-Moncada-Jimenez-Cease-Kopech-Madrigal-Giolito-Robert-Lopez-McCann-Bummer-Burr-Tilson-Marshall-Dunning-Collins (16players) PLAYERS OF SOME VALUE WHO WILL BE ON CONTENDING TEAMS, EXTENDED OR TRADED: Abreu-Colome-C.Rodon-Garcia-Basabe-Adolfo-Sanchez-Herrera-Palka-Burger-Covey-Hamilton-Fulmer-Ruiz-Rutherford -Walker-Jones NEEDS OF THAT FUTURE CONTENDER: 1 top of rotation starter-2 competent 4/5 starters

All options are on the table.

When the guys in front of you are Cease, Kopech & Giolito...you could be a pretty good pitcher and be a # 4 or 5 starter.

Depends on what you get for Colome in a trade at the deadline.

Your explanation was what I was going to write but you said it better. It would have been better without passing judgement on the post.

I'm 50-50 on what should be in Abreu's future. Extend him and decide he is part of the championship run or trade him. In addition to on the field accomplishments he appears to be a mentor to the young guys. Some would say face of the Sox. The trade him while value is high crowd have an excellent point. We've all seen players go from high trade value to worth nothing almost over night. What ever happens...Abreu is doing his part to drive up his value to our organization and other teams.

Ah...good times!

Preaching to the choir...I get it!

The players who can't remember which base to throw to will probably not be part of the championship years. They are placement holders until the Robert, Collins and Madrigal's get here. Keep the faith.

I'm certainly with you on the pitching needing reinforcements. Never have enough.

In the after the game radio show Ricky said he knows fans think we don't see these mistakes. He specifically mentioned the Garcia ill advised throw home allowing the trailing runner to advance. I paid attention because I ranted here about it. He said believe it or not he and coaches spent time immediate on the bench at innings end. They are baseball people and they probably see and address far more than we think.

We have an incredible amount of star talent already on the big club and approximately a year away. I would beef up quality starting pitching as much as budget will allow. Kopech & Rodon will be back but not at full throttle for awhile. Cease will be getting his feet wet. Spend the money on pitching and don't shoot your wad on some over payed slugger. Pitching-defense-and a balanced offense wins baseball games. Do all that and still need a stud then I'm all in. Build the sound foundation first.

When we see what the Sox do with Abreu & Colome we will get insight as to how far away the FO thinks we are.

Getz was on White Sox Weekly talking about the various prospects. Sounds like he is very pleased with progress being made by all the usual names. He did say that Robert could hold his own at the big league level but was properly placed at AA for now. Sounded to me like FO is committed to not rushing anyone. Getz said judge us by what you see in the second half.

Personally I like the mixed reactions. Kind of like talking to a bunch of guys at a picnic. Some are more knowledgeable than others. Some are glass half full others half empty. My only draw the line issue is with personal attack.

Herrera not helping his trade value lately. Not trying to be critical...just accurate.